Apr 24, 2013 (LBO) - Sri Lankans visiting the UK should apply online from Monday May 06, the British High Commission in Colombo said.

Manually completed applications will no longer be accepted but a printout of the applications and supporting documents should be taken when an applicant visit the visa centre, using an appointment issued online.

"We along with our commercial partner, VFS Global, are committed to providing our customers with an efficient visa service, and we introduce changes to our processes with this in mind. In this case, completing and submitting applications online saves time.

"We have been introducing the use of online applications gradually so that customers have been able to get used to the process," Home Office Regional Director, Thomas Greig, said in a statement.

"Customers already need to make online applications for visas under the points based system. We are now extending the requirement to all categories of UK visa application."